- Partial Sun to Full Sun (5+ hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 12 - 15 Feet
- Mature Width 4 - 6 Feet
- Growing Zones 3-7
Polar Gold Arborvitae is a fantastic option for someone looking to grow a privacy hedge, but not take up a lot of space (or your neighbor’s space). These shrubs grow upright and only get to be around 4 to 6 feet wide, but they grow up to 15 feet tall!
The new growth on the plants is a glowing yellow color that lasts all year, and turning dark green the next year. This beautiful foliage will surely stand out in any landscape. Plant these as a statement piece, privacy hedge, or wind block.
Polar Gold arborvitae are native to North America and require very little care once established. The Polar Gold gets its name due to the fact that it can thrive in very harsh winters, even in cold hardy zone 3.
Polar Gold Arborvitae Care
Plant these shrubs in moist well-drained soil that gets at least 5 hours of sunlight a day.
Pruning Polar Gold Arborvitae is not necessary, as these shrubs naturally grow into a narrow dense pyramid shape. If you must trim, do so in late spring or early summer, after the new growth has emerged. Do not cut off thick branches, as you could leave an unsightly hole and permanently damage the shrub’s shape.
Polar Gold Arborvitae Spacing
If you plan on growing these into a privacy hedge, space these bushes 4 feet apart, center on center. Otherwise, plant at least 6 feet apart, center on center, for a typical growth habit.
Thuja occidentalis 'SMTOYB' Plant Facts
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7 |
Foliage Color(s): Yellow |
Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun |
Mature Height: 12-15 Feet |
Mature Spread: 4-6 Feet |
Mature Spacing: 4-6 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Watering: Average |
Shrub Type: Evergreen |
Uses: Border Plant, Container, Good for Screening, Landscape, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point |
Scientific Name: Thuja occidentalis ''SMTOYB'' USPP 25,388 |
Common Name: Polar Gold Arborvitae |
Brand: Proven Winners ColorChoice® |
- SKU:
- THUPG
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.